Civility and Respect

I have been a Parish Councillor for Wrinehill for the past year.  Much of this has been learning about the Parish, about Wrinehill, people's views, needs and aspirations.  It has not always been an easy ride and during this year I have witnessed some shocking behaviour.  Whilst it is clear that some things are difficult to change, it would not be impossible with the good will of and support from the many good people of this Parish.

The new Parish Council term - although it began in May - will begin in earnest in September.  And I would like to begin by requesting that the Parish Council signs up to the Civility and Respect Pledge.  

This is not something I have dreamed up on the spur of the moment.  It is a national initiative begun by the National Association of Local Councils (NALC), to address bad behaviour experienced at the local level within Local Councils, in the first instance, and then embracing other larger active organisations, which operate within the Parish - for example the Church the WI, the Reading Room etc..      

Whilst it is assumed that it is national organisations and national governance which set the standard and tone for the local, I am convinced (based on empirical evidence) that this is, and should be, the other way round - where excellence and high standards at the local level provide a standard and ethos which filters up to national levels.  It is called best practice.

NALC states that: 

'Throughout the sector, there are growing concerns about the impact bullying, harassment, and intimidation are having on local (parish and town) councils, councillors, clerks and council staff and the resulting effectiveness of local councils.

The National Association of Local Councils (NALC), One Voice Wales, the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC) and county associations have responded to this by setting up a Civility and Respect Working Group to oversee the Civility and Respect Project...

We believe now is the time to put civility and respect at the top of the agenda and start a culture change for the local council sector.

The Civility and Respect Pledge is being introduced because there is no place for bullying, harassment and intimidation within our sector.  The pledge is easy for councils to sign up for and it will enable councils to demonstrate that they are committed to standing up to poor behaviour across our sector and to driving through positive changes which support civil and respectful conduct.  

We invite all councils to take the Civility and Respect Pledge.'

To date 1334 councils have signed up to the Pledge.  Betley, Balterley and Wrinehill Parish Council is not one of them.    But it could be.  If a sufficient number of people support the principle, it would not be impossible - but it won't be easy.   But I hope that people will, at least, give the matter some thought.  Further details can be found on the NALC website below:


https://www.nalc.gov.uk/our-work/civility-and-respect-project

Your feed back, as always, would be appreciated.



  






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